MK Stalin Leads Gaza Solidarity Protest in Tamil Nadu, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Action

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin participated in a Chennai protest organized by the CPI(M) against what he described as the "genocide in Gaza." During the demonstration, Stalin urged the Indian government to intervene in stopping Israel's military actions and advocate for an immediate ceasefire.

Stalin revealed plans for the Tamil Nadu Assembly to pass a resolution on October 14 condemning Israel's "indiscriminate attacks" and calling on the Central Government to pursue diplomatic initiatives through the UN and other international bodies to bring peace and humanitarian assistance to Gaza. "This resolution will represent the views of Tamil Nadu's citizens, and I believe it will receive cross-party support, transcending political differences," Stalin stated.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that Israel's continued offensive on Gaza "has deeply affected not only us but the entire world." He declared, "Israel's indiscriminate attacks on Gaza must end. The genocide there needs to stop. We cannot remain silent in the face of this injustice. This is not a political protest but a humanitarian one. We collectively condemn the Gaza genocide and offer our complete human rights support to Palestinians."

Stalin referenced UN and UNICEF statistics, noting that over 50,000 people have died in Gaza within the past year, including 11,000 women, 17,000 children, 175 journalists, and 125 UN personnel. Approximately 26,000 children have been orphaned, while over 100,000 people have sustained injuries. He added that substantial portions of Gaza have been "completely destroyed."

The Chief Minister also highlighted reports from June describing 45 starving Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces while waiting for food aid, calling it an example of "atrocity that humanity cannot ignore." He continued, "Israel has violated international laws. Human lives are valuable—we all share responsibility for protecting them. Food and medicine must reach Gaza immediately, with guarantees for Palestinian reconstruction and rehabilitation, alongside the release of hostages."

The DMK party rejected criticism suggesting the Chief Minister's position was intended to appeal to Muslim voters ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

DMK spokesperson Dr. Syed Hafeezullah maintained that the party's stance aligned with its longstanding commitment to human rights and self-determination. "The DMK has consistently opposed oppression—whether for Lankan Tamils or Palestinians. This is not about political advantage but humanitarian concern," he explained.

Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani, who attended the demonstration, welcomed the Chief Minister's announcement regarding the ceasefire resolution in the Assembly. "The UN has already classified the Gaza attacks as genocide. This isn't about politics. We must save lives and protect children," Veeramani emphasized.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai also supported the initiative, highlighting that Congress has historically stood with the Palestinian cause. "Even Mahatma Gandhi stated that Palestinian land belongs to Palestinians. Congress governments have always been pro-Palestine." When questioned about whether his party would also condemn Hamas' attack on Israel that killed over a thousand people, he responded, "Terrorism deserves condemnation, but the BJP central government has departed from India's traditional position. This Assembly resolution serves humanity, not electoral interests."